Monday, January 10, 2011

"For to one is given by the Spirit ... prophecy" - 1st Corinthians 12:9a, 10b

This is not the same gift as in the Old Testament.

Back then prophecy was reserved just for special holy men. When normal people wanted to hear from God they would go to a prophet and ask him to pray and to speak for God.

Everyone in Christ can now prophesy!

"For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted." - 1st Corinthians 14:31

Prophesy now has three main purposes -

"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." - 1st Corinthians 14:3

I heard a preacher, long ago in Ferguson, Kentucky, say this verse means prophecy is to

Build up,Stir up, and Cheer up.

So how is that different from modern day preaching?

Preaching is a prepared (hopefully) lesson from the mind and heart of a preacher but prophesy, like other gifts of the Holy Spirit, is given at the moment to an individual specifically for a circumstance often unknown by the speaker.

It, too, is accompanied by a strong urge to speak, which is hard to shake but can be ignored by the one called on by God to give it.

A wise pastor will encourage his flock to begin speaking these urgings, understanding when mistakes are made, and without condemnation teach how to recognize God's wonderful gift of Prophesy.

2 comments:

Your insightful posts encouraged me to go ahead and follow that God-urge to give a word of wisdom to a young friend yesterday, even though our church doesn't acknowledge that these gifts are for "today." Thanks!

I've gotten so very behind on my reading and stopped by today to begin to catch up and here's one of my favorite subjects.. I love spiritual gifts - the idea of them, that we each have our part to play and each is as important as the other. And also the reality of them, discovering our individual gifts and using them to lift up our brothers and sisters. Thank you, I needed this today.